#6908                                                                                          

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Pierced Bone Clamp - Exceptionally rare, this stunning needlework clamp is carved of bone and features mica to accent the pierced carvings.   The box on the top of the clamp opens to reveal a small silk lined sewing box with a velvet pincushion on the top.   This decorative technique is called Archangel work, named after the port town of Archangel in Russia where it was probably made.   Archangel was located on the coast of Russia north of Moscow and was sometimes referred to as "the Dieppe of Russia" because of its reknown for carving beautiful ivory and bone.  The clamp measures 6 1/2" tall and the box measures 4 1/4" x 3 1/2".  

The clamp would originally have had two bone reels mounted on either side of the base.   However, only one mounting piece of the original four still remains and the reels are also missing.  The base of the clamp is a bit loose where it attaches to the box but the attachment is still fairly strong.  And the velvet pincushion has two threadbare areas (further pictures on request).  The box opens and shuts securely, but the decorative button on the latch is missing.  The carving itself is in very good condition, although some of the mica is missing.  In spite of the condition problems, the rarity of this lovely clamp makes it a very desireable piece and a stunning addition to anyone's collection.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         $1450.00               

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  #6924                         

Silverplated Scissors Case - This beautifully engraved scissors case is circa 1890.  It is signed     " Walker and Hall  Sheffield".    The engraving on the top of the case features a lovely pattern of swirls and flourishes.  The sides of the case are etched in a simple but elegant zig-zag pattern.  The button on the top slides down to open the case which reveals a deep purple velvet lining on the inside.   The case measures 5 1/4" in length, 2 1/2" in width at the top and 1" in height.       

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The back of the case is nicked a bit along the middle one third of its length.   And the button closure is loose, although it is still in working condition.  There are no other problems to its condition that I can see. This beautiful silverplate scissors case would be a wonderful place to keep your special scissors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   $285.00

                                                                       #6907                                                                                          

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Ivory Etui - This stunning ivory case has got to be the most beautiful of its type that I have ever seen.  The top of the case features swirls, scrolls, shells and flourishes all carved surrounding the ornate script initials        " M.L.B.".   I have honestly never seen anything like it.  It is gorgeous!  The gilt tools inside the case include scissors, stiletto, needlecase and brass thimble.  The scissors and thimble are replacements, while the other tools are original to the set.   The bodkin is missing.    Be sure to click on the enlargement of the first picture so that you can see the beautiful carving. 

Because these cases were carved for the specific tools that were original to the set, it is very difficult to find replacement pieces that actually fit the case and allow it to close.   And while neither replacement is a perfect fit, they are very close.  The scissors don't sit all the way down in the case (the thimble does), but they are close enough that the case closes easily.  And they look quite good in the case so they are a very good replacement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           $925.00                

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#6880

Ivory Tambour Hook -  This beautiful tam- bour hook is carved with swirls and foli- age. There are no hooks still in the handle.  When the hook was in use, the bottom part of the handle was screwed onto the top part, making it a lovely and graceful handle to work with.   The condition is very good with no chips or cracks in the ivory.                                                                                                                                                                                                    $265.00

                                                                       #6812                                                                                  

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Palais Royal Necessaire  - In the early part of the 19th century, the finest needlework sets were being made in Paris.   When Louis Phillipe inherited the royal palace he turned one wing of the palace into a shopping arcade which was known as the Palais Royal.   Only the finest artisans were allowed to set up shop there and they catered, of course, to the wealthy aristocrasy.   They were famous for making exquisite things from mother of pearl.  This necessaire is one of those exquisite things.   

The lovely satinwood box features faceted steel beading on the top and a velvet lined tray on the inside.  The tools inside include:  a cut crystal scent bottle, mother of pearl handled scissors, stiletto, needlecase, two gorgeous silkwinders, a replacement thimble with a glass top and a pincushion.      

The box is slightly warped so it does not close completely.  It is otherwise in beautiful condition.  The scissors have a tiny and minor weakness on the handle and one tip is broken off.  The scent bottle is missing its inner stopper.   The stiletto has a slight bend on the tip.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        $1650.00